So I finally took delivery of my X3 a couple of weeks ago, and could not be happier!

Went for the X3 2.0d. Sapphire Black, M Sport Package, dynamic suspension, premium sound, etc etc. Only thing I missed were the power folding mirrors (as per a previous thread) but I have not had occasion to use them!

Bought the new Thule Aero bars, and a Thule roofbox for carting around snowboarding kit. Photo attached.

The drive is great. Much better than I could have imagined for this size of car. I currently have winter wheels (17's) fitted, and had a couple of very snowy drives up to the mountains. No issue at all, and did not need to break out the chains! The 2.0d engine is actually perfect for my needs. Living in Switzerland with very strict speed control, I didn't want something that would tempt me too much. Besides, this is an SUV, and I have my motorbikes when I really have to let loose. The engine has plenty torque for driving around the mountains, and shifting quickly around the city. Only noticeable lack in power is when maxing out at motorway limits. No big deal for me.

Went for the M kit for looks alone. I may not have the 3.5d to match, but don't care

My wife is no car fan, especially not BMW (don't ask why). However, this is the first car she really loves to drive. Driving position, visibily, feel from the engine are all great. She finds this much improved from our previous 320d touring.

If anyone is on the fence about buying this car, jump straight over....it is awesome

So I finally took delivery of my X3 a couple of weeks ago, and could not be happier!

Went for the X3 2.0d. Sapphire Black, M Sport Package, dynamic suspension, premium sound, etc etc. Only thing I missed were the power folding mirrors (as per a previous thread) but I have not had occasion to use them!

Bought the new Thule Aero bars, and a Thule roofbox for carting around snowboarding kit. Photo attached.

The drive is great. Much better than I could have imagined for this size of car. I currently have winter wheels (17's) fitted, and had a couple of very snowy drives up to the mountains. No issue at all, and did not need to break out the chains! The 2.0d engine is actually perfect for my needs. Living in Switzerland with very strict speed control, I didn't want something that would tempt me too much. Besides, this is an SUV, and I have my motorbikes when I really have to let loose. The engine has plenty torque for driving around the mountains, and shifting quickly around the city. Only noticeable lack in power is when maxing out at motorway limits. No big deal for me.

Went for the M kit for looks alone. I may not have the 3.5d to match, but don't care

My wife is no car fan, especially not BMW (don't ask why). However, this is the first car she really loves to drive. Driving position, visibily, feel from the engine are all great. She finds this much improved from our previous 320d touring.

If anyone is on the fence about buying this car, jump straight over....it is awesome

Nice picture and good looking car :-)
I'm still waiting for mine x3 to arrive. Promised delivery in december, but now delivery will be early märz. When did you order and how long was your wait? I live in züri as well. I can't stand that we have to pay twice as much compared to the usa and have to wait 6 months or longer for delivery...

Congrats! Great to see another X3 in the snow. I want some snow to try out mine with! 11C where I am now and not a single snowflake has fallen this winter . Bound to happen the moment I fitted winter tyres!

Good looking vehicle. I must agree, the X3 is a great handling vehicle in both dry and inclement weather. Wife and I decided to drive to Toronto for Christmas with her family this past weekend, just so we can break-in our new 2012 X3 35i. I was hoping for snow, but got tons of rain on the way back. Car felt bolted to the ground the entire time. Glad I bought this car... for my wife.

And just so you can see the conditions I had to drive back in, I have attached another couple of pictures.

We simply cleared the snow from the windows in the carpark, and drove straight off. Other cars were being pushed, or having snowchains mounted....not the mighty X3 Pulled away without a single wheelspin!

The second pic is from the car, looking down the road we were driving (Tannenboden - Flumserberg). Once again, not a single slip...excellent handling.

The motorway was also covered in snow all the way back home, but didn't manage to get any pics then, was too busy concentrating!

Nice pics and nice to know the X3 plowed thru that stuff. Sure looks like the skiing and/or boarding was fantastic. Not so here. I cancelled my trip to Utah. Not worth it yet. What make/model of snow tires are on the X?

Yes, plenty of snow then. But sadly warming up by the weekend. I hope it comes back with a vengeance!

I have an automatic gearbox. This is incredibly smooth, and never found myself to be wishing for a manual.

Don't have new snowchains yet actually, still have to purchase. Had for my old car, but they won't fit the new wheels. Not sure what new ones to get, so if anyone has any recommendations?

The tyres are Dunlops, although not run-flat. Dealer was unable to get the Pirelli run-flats I originally requested, as they were out of stock. I did however get a free compressor I will have to check the exact model, but they are 225/60-17 99 H. Pirelli would have been my first choice, but the Dunlops seem to be excellent so far!

Sorry to hear the Utah trip was cancelled, wish you a very snowy New Year!!